After graduating in 1889, he moved back to Indiana, setting up a private law practice in Logansport, working in partnership with DeWitt C. Justice and M.F.
In 1910, he ran to become judge of 5th Judicial District, but was narrowly defeated by Quincy Alden Myers, another future Indiana Supreme Court justice and friend of Lairy's.
During his time on the court, Lairy wrote a concurring opinion on a case involving Senate Bill No.
[1][2][4][3] After leaving the court, Lairy continued to practice law, joining the Indianapolis firm of Myers, Gates & Ralston.
[3] In a widely-publicized case, Lairy defended Delaware County Circuit Judge Clarence W. Dearth in his impeachment trial heard before the Indiana Senate.
Residents of Muncie petitioned for Dearth's impeachment after he was accused of corruption and being affiliated with the Ku Klux Klan by a local journalist.
Lairy achieved a narrow victory, with the motion to remove Dearth from office failing by two votes.
Lairy was a friend and mentor of future Indiana Supreme Court Justice Michael Fansler.